10:11 Hiram. Hiram was king of Tyre, the great capital of the Phoenicians, whose seafaring and exploring exploits were legendary. Despite the pagan religion of the Phoenicians, Hiram was on very friendly terms with both David and Solomon, even providing an abundance of cedar trees from Lebanon, along with skilled workmen, for construction of the temple and other building projects. See I Kings 5:1-10,18; 9:11-14.

10:11 Ophir. Ophir’s location is uncertain, though it had to be reached by ships from Ezion-Geber, on the Red Sea (I Kings 9:26-28). The city was known even in Job’s day, probably before the time of Abraham (Job 22:24). In view of its exotic trade, many believe it was as far away as India.